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Breakfast’s Many Benefits for Kids

Eating breakfast has many health benefits for everyone, no matter their age. The research is prolific, suggesting that it’s good for not only your body, but your brain as well.

What exactly is a “healthy breakfast?”

A high-energy breakfast of low-fat protein can help boost short-term memory in adolescents, says the Journal of Adolescent Health. The core of a nutritious morning meal also includes carbohydrates in the form of whole grains.

Oatmeal is highly recommended by the Mayo Clinic as the meal for breakfast. That’s because oatmeal is a whole grain–chocked full of iron, magnesium and B vitamins. It also contains lignans, a chemical in plants that is being connected with the prevention of heart disease. Oatmeal also lowers the risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Eating whole grains reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease as well.

What are the health benefits of eating a healthy breakfast?

The Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition states that a breakfast meal with lots of fiber and carbohydrates helps you feel less tired during the day. You’ll feel full for a longer time and not get hungry as early in the day.
Breakfast-eaters are less likely to be overweight and more likely to have good blood sugar levels.

Why is eating breakfast so great for kids?

After a night of fasting, a morning meal supplies “fuel” to the brain. In a study of Chinese six-year olds, children who ate breakfast were almost 5 points above their same-age counterparts in IQ levels. By eating a meal with other family members in the morning, the social interaction with siblings and parents stimulates the child’s verbal and cognitive development. It’s a pleasant way to start the day, before the stresses of work, school and other pressures set in.

Children who eat a healthy morning meal are more likely to be better problem solvers. They are probably more physically active and have better eye-hand coordination. Breakfast-eating children may be more creative and even miss fewer days of school.

It’s certainly worth the effort to carve out some time in the morning. Eat together as a family. Serve any number of combinations of low-fat proteins, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables. It will pay off during the day, and in years to come, for all family members–parents and children. Let everyone reap the many health benefits of eating a nutritious breakfast.